Indigo, Embroidered: A Workshop

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn a range of embroidery techniques and make an embroidered, indigo-dyed napkin project that they can take home. Textile artist Catherine Murphy will provide an illustrated overview of some of the indigo projects found throughout Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial, and demonstrate several basic embroidery techniques. Participants will then select an object or detail to work into their own napkin design from the Underground Library installation, a welcoming, interactive space for visitors to Making Home where custom-designed seating, textiles, and carpeting by BADG members and collaborators honor their ancestral legacies in art and design. No embroidery skills are required, and all materials are provided. Murphy will provide technical and design assistance throughout the workshop.

SPEAKER

Catherine Murphy is a textile artist specializing in embroidery, repair, and materiality of textiles. She values natural materials and craftsmanship, advocating for textile longevity and the continuous circulation of materials. Inspired by traditional practices from Ireland, India, and Japan, her work explores stitch as both a practical tool for repair and a mindful, sustainable practice. Through writing and workshops, she shares the benefits of stitch as both a practical tool for textile maintenance and a mindful practice that deepens our relationship with materials. She holds an honors degree in Fine Craft Design (Embroidery) from the University of Ulster, Belfast, and a Master of Fine Art in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design. With over a decade of experience in sustainable design, she has led educational programming at Parsons Healthy Materials Lab since 2017, developing methodologies to reduce environmental impact and promote regenerative practices. Originally from Sligo, in the west of Ireland, Murphy continues to explore the intersections of craft, sustainability, and storytelling through stitch. 

Accessibility & What to Expect:   

• Format: The program will begin with a brief welcome, then the speaker will give a short presentation followed by a hands-on embroidery workshop, including time to ask questions and interact with other participants.
• About the space: This program will take place in Cooper Hewitt’s Process Lab on the first floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. There will be seating. There is an accessible restroom on the ground floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt. 
• Accommodations: If we can provide any accessibility services to support your participation, email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when you register. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date. 
  
• Recording: This workshop will not be recorded.